Reflections on a Year

It's that time when most bloggers review what's happend in the past year. I really don't want to do that, for as we leave behind 2010 I leave behind two beloved family members. Our family's pain is well-documented and I don't want to go over it yet again.
Instead, I'm looking at the good stuff that happened, and in spite of our losses there were some bright spots.
I feel I'm truly "back into myself" in terms of healing from the car accident. I'm frequently asked "are you all better now?" and there is no such thing after such a bad accident. Scars are left both physically and emotionally. But my body works great and aside from some scar tissue limiting mobility in my left arm and the occasional ache or pain, I'm pretty much good to go. Mentally it's been a long journey. I knew I wasn't myself for the longest time. I'd just act like myself and hope no one noticed. Turns out lots of people did but were too kind to say anything. A brain injury is a funny thing and it took an awful long time to bounce back from that. In the past few months I do feel comfortable in my own skin again and can look forward to parties and crowded events without panicking. I never thought I'd be so glad to be "just me"!
My dear friend Laurie paid us a visit and I got to meet her newest addition to her family, Sassy. It seems each visit gets more and more fun and we just had the best time! Friendships are such treasures and I'm lucky to count Laurie as one very special friend.
Erik got a job. It's been over a year. Yes, it's not what he used to make but the drive is reasonable and it looks like a great company. He's fitting right in and very happy at his new place of business. We will have to revisit our budget which I'm not looking forward to, but no more fear or losing our home or other scary things that come with a negative cash flow.
I started my new business as the town's Welcome Wagon lady. I love it! It's my own hours and largely driven by how hard I choose to work at it. This job will help plug the hole left by my husband's cash reduction. Truly, I was blessed to have this opportunity and will be forever thankful to Barb for her help and mentoring me along this path.
Two of my grandkids came for a visit and the timing couldn't have been better. They came shortly after the passing of Barry and Uncle Bill. They gave us a gift that is priceless: happiness.
Speaking of grandkids, we had a miracle that baby Ella came into this world safe and sound. Both my daughter and Ella could have been lost in this high-risk pregnancy and delivery. When a doctor calls it a miracle, you know you are far more than lucky. I'm nothing short of grateful to God for my daughter and Ella being completely fine in the face of such long odds.
In spite of serious health issues, we still have all six dogs. I cherish each and every day with all of them and enjoy the fact our house is chaotic with so many furry friends running around.
And the reason it's six dogs now is the addition of Pinch. It was amazing how quickly he fit in. There was no ripple effect, no jealousy. Every dog gladly accepted Pinch into the fold.
Holding Moto back from the show ring was the best thing I could've done. He's now exhibitng enjoyment in his training and at sho n go's. I'm getting comments that people didn't think he was capable of doing what they are seeing in him performance-wise. Working on our bond and building drive has paid off big-time. Maybe, just maybe, we'll enter a show in the Spring.
In summary I've realized if you get the priviledge of living a long time you don't go through life without some scars. In so many of my Welcome Wagon visits I hear stories of terrible loss and tragedy. Yet these people still smile at me as they begin a new life in a new town. Inspired by so many of these stories, I too put on a smile as we begin a new year.
We're all still here, so we might as well dance.

Do You Have A Favorite Dog?

I get asked this question fairly often, and it seems most other multi-dog households get asked this question too. I remember asking my mother the same question, only it was did she have a favorite child (I was hoping she'd say it was me). But my mom, ever so wise and I believe honestly, answered the question with "I love you both the same."
I only have one child so she is easily my favorite. But when it comes to that question with my dogs, I don't answer the question the way my mother did, as I do not love them all the same: I love them all, but in so many different ways. Each personality is so distinct there simply is no way I could love them all the same.
Take Dusty for instance. He's my first Sheltie, my first performance dog. I believe the soul of my childhood dog occasionally pays visit upon him. Dusty has helped shape the person I am today, and he's the one who started me on this crazy, dog-filled journey. He's my Heart Dog, the one who cuddled with me in bed when I was single, has seen my daughter grow up and me become a grandmother. At almost sixteen years he still rules the pack as a benevolent dictator. Dusty's soul shines through his eyes and I know now that I was the luckiest person in the world to have him as a Novice A dog. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Now Shiloh....oh, Shiloh. He's the polar opposite of Dusty. Shiloh loves himself first and foremost, and his ego surpasses the size of any room he enters. Strong-willed and spirited, Shiloh has more of a Border Collie work ethic, which means his reward is letting him work. Shiloh loved Agility best and should have had a MACH, if not a world team representative, except for the fact that I just can't seem to remember the agility course. Because he loves me he did Obedience and handed me a life-long dream of attaining the OTCH. Not only that, he was the #3 Sheltie in 2006 and we got invited to compete at the Eukanuba Obedience Invitational in Long Beach, CA that year. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Blitz's illness was discovered when I only had him for two weeks. I could have returned him but I decided that even though he would never be able to show to his full potential, I would keep him. I've never regretted that decision. He'll be four years old this coming February, two years longer than they said he would survive. The disease is beginning to take its toll and I believe his story will be coming to a close soon. What amazes me is that in spite of this awful disease and all its afflictions, his zest for life has never waned. In fact he seems to be more joyful than ever as his body wastes away. Blitz has taught me to find joy in this remarkable gift of life we've been handed. He greets every new day as a thrilling adventure; how could I not do the same? Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Shiloh was bred to a lovely working bitch and my pick was Moto. I knew he'd be over size but not to the proportions he is today: 50 lbs and 20 inches at the shoulder! But I actually enjoy having a larger dog. People take his bark seriously and I feel safe when I walk with him at night. He's been a bit of a training challenge as, unlike his dad, Moto will work but it's just because he's a good boy. Work of any sort - obedience, tracking, herding, agility - are OK but he is happiest just giving and receiving love. And that is where he excels. I scoff at anyone who says dogs do not have empathy. I saw it first-hand when I returned home from the hospital to recover from my car accident. I saw it again as he took puppy Pinch under his wing, teaching him Boy Dog stuff and gently playing with him. I am in awe of Moto and he will take on the role of Heart Dog when Dusty goes to the Bridge. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
Enter baby Pinch. He's still a blank slate. I'm thrilled with his training and he has the drive and focus of Shiloh. His ego is almost as big as well. I'm thrilled with his temperament in that when the house is quiet, he is quiet, but if I want to train he's up and ready to go! We have so much fun together and I have high hopes for an exciting obedience career with him. Plus, he has this adorable way of jumping into my arms and delivering a quick round of kisses. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
John Edward, a psychic who "talks to those who have crossed over" once was able to feel the energy of a former dog-owning relative. John told the grieving family that it was her beloved dogs to greeted her first, and whose barking she followed to get to the Other Side. Along with my other loved ones who I miss now, I know it will be a joyous reunion to see them again and be joined with all my beloved pets. That, for me, will be Heaven.

Winter Training

What an exciting weekend it was for Obedience enthusiasts - the NOI, or AKC/Eukanuba National Obedience Invitational was this past weekend. I wasn't able to go, but am forever grateful to friend Laurie for calling me when she was able to with updates. It got more and more exciting as friend Kathy was 1st seed to go into the Finals on Sunday. Then, she kept advancing....to the final two...I was sooo nervous waiting for that last phone call. When the phone rang I was sooo hoping for good news and yes! It was to be: Kathy had won. THANK YOU Laurie for letting me know, and huge congrats to Kathy and Buoy on an amazing accomplishment.
It's cold outside, Christmas parties and events abound, so it makes for challenging training opportunities. We've done lots of indoors training but the "big stuff" (jumping, go-outs) need to be done outside. This takes time, which of late I haven't had a whole lot of. Things are settling down and today I'm hoping to do some outdoor training this afternoon.
Sweet Moto is stressing, really stressing, over the scent discrimination. We need to work hard on this and make it fun. You can see the relief on his face when he finds the correct article. He's learning to use his nose finally. Once he gets it, like everything else, he will be rock solid. Overall his work ethic is improving nicely - is it the thyroid pills or is he maturing, or is it a combination of both? Either way he may be ready for his Novice debut this Spring!
Now that we are moving on to more advanced work with Pinch, he's developing his own set of problems to solve. He LOVES to work, but is extremely impatient. I THOUGHT I was a fast trainer but this little guy has proved me so very wrong. I am way behind the eight ball with Pinch. Latest is the dumbbell retrieve. Again, kudos to Laurie for helping him get a nice start. I'm trying to move this along to be an actual retrieve now. Pinch has a nasty habit of putting his paw up when I have my hands out to take the dumbbell back. I have to give him information fast (uh-uh), when paw is lowered (goooooood) and take the dumbbell out. But sometimes I am too slow. We have to work on the Hold and keeping that paw down before we can move forward, or I'll have a mess of other problems to deal with.
I hope one, or both these boys will make it to the NOI some day. Shiloh and I had a blast when we went. Meantime, it's time to break out the heavy winter coat, gloves and hat to train outside today - brrrrr!